Festivals and cultural events United Kingdom

The month of June puts the ^7th art in the spotlight over two weeks. About 150 productions are usually screened at this film festival created in 1947. It is the longest film festival in the world! While the focus is on the British industry, some 50 countries are represented. The festival can pride itself on having hosted the greatest over the years: Gene Kelly, Ewan McGregor, David Cronenberg, Clint Eastwood, Sir Sean Connery. In 2023 it will be its 76th edition!

This festival of traditional Scottish music and culture takes place on several sites on the Isle of Skye. Music, theater, dance, literature, entertainment (including shows for children) are featured. Through art and celebration, this festival raises awareness of the protection of the waters and coasts of Scotland and, more broadly, of the environment. It also wants to highlight Scottish music at the international level and promote the culture of the islands.

Based on the model of the Edinburgh Fringe, the smaller version of Glasgow offers events around theatre and music. Each year, the festival takes place in 30 to 50 venues and offers 100 to 200 cultural, artistic and musical events: cabarets, comedies, concerts, performances, encounters... The festival is organized and managed by very dynamic and involved volunteers who take care of the eclecticism of the shows as well as the festive and friendly atmosphere. "Let's fill the streets with colour and love" is one of their leitmotivs.

It is known as one of the best jazz festivals in Scotland and takes place in the town of Kirkcudbright, which gives it an extra charm. Born from the initiative of passionate people, it quickly grew. The whole town participates and several jazz dinners are held in the town's restaurants. A good meal, an intimate concert: the formula was a great success! Added to this is a rich program of concerts and everyone finds something to enjoy. In 2023, it is its ^24th edition!

The Isle of Arran Folk Festival is organised in Brodick around ceilidhs and concerts. Its first editions date back more than half a century, before it was reborn in 1989 and took on a more official dimension. The original idea was to bring tourists to the island with a traditional quality programming. The festival was a huge success and has grown to become one of the most attractive events on the island. Free and paying concerts (passes are available) follow each other for three days.

Music, dance, theatre and visual arts: all are present at the Perth Festival of the Arts in several venues around the city. This festival, created in 1972, is among the oldest independent art festivals in the country. Today it is open to all forms of art and above all to all audiences, whatever their age or sensibilities. Classical music and opera share the bill with rock, jazz, Celtic music, comedy and theatre.

Music and whisky are the two axes of the Islay Festival. Songs, traditional music, dance, stories, history: that's the spirit. What about the palace? Good food and whiskey tastings. What about the body? Discovery of golf and bowling. The whole in a very great conviviality, a family spirit and the desire to share passion and pride of being on Islay. Distilleries hold open days and music is everywhere.